Historical Traveler Reviews Grosvenor Kensington Hotel London

Disappointed with Grosvenor Kensington

from anonymous

As the other reviews say, the location is great, but the hotel needs work.. I read the reviews, and decided to go ahead with the hotel, since I assumed that the rooms were just a bit old.. When i got there, i wished that I could have changed the reservation, but it was too late.

The room was quite dusty and a bit dirty. I also wasnt sure if the bathroom was cleaned..

I was quite disappointed..

i do not recommend this hotel

.

Excellent Location, So-So Hotel

from mlonergan

We had read the reviews before we left and sort of knew what to expect, an older hotel in a great location. That is just what we got. The place is in serious need of some renovation and the noise level depends on the room. We had to move after 5 nights and the second room was so much nicer than the first. Our first room faced the main thoroughfare and was VERY noisy! Between the traffic noise, the after-hours revellers and the nearby construction, we could barely hear ourselves think! That room was on the 4th floor. We moved to the 5th floor our last night and the room was on a different hallway and MUCH quieter. Our rooms weren't air-conditioned and very HOT but it was impossible to sleep with the window open because of the noise. We asked for a fan but there wasn't one. OUr daughter's room had an air conditioner but it didn't work.

The breakfast was filling but boring. The same thing is served EVERY morning and it got quite old by our 5th day and we were actually relieved that we had to leave before breakfast on the last morning! But overall, the stay was acceptable. The desk people were very helpful and the hotel was clean. It looked like they had renovated a portion of the place but not where we were. I have a feeling they give travel agent -booked customers lousier rooms but that's just a theory.

But, it was in a terrific location...

Girly weekend

from littlemissunshine

Just back from a girly weekend in London. The hotel is very basic including the bar - but the staff are very pleasant. Great location - loads of restaurants, patisseries etc... I am sure the hotel was spectacular in its day and does need some work but we were only using it as a base so didn't mind too much. The rooms are tired looking but clean.

Formidable hotel

from anonymous

Great hotel with comfortable rooms and cosy atmosphere. Outstanding Value for London, better than I have experienced in the past. Really enjoyed to stay so close to all the sight and at an affordable price.

Over rated

from anonymous

Shame my husband and I did not read the reviews until after booking the package as our travel agent assured us this was a first class hotel.

How wrong, the hotel is seriously needing a total make over, especially the beds and soft furnishings. Staff are helpful and the location is Ok although nearer the West End would be better next time. Seems the English have more optimistic hotel ratings than we do as I rate this 2 star as the owners clearly do not want to spend money on the place.

Very disappointed.

Good place

from anonymous

The Grosvenor Kensington was a pleasant surprise. The rooms were small and things were a little old, but it was clean, quiet and safe (our main criteria). Good in-room bathroom with great hot water and pressure. Hotel staff nice and tried to be helpful. You need to do your homework before just taking what the conceirge service advises you. Could tell they were paid on commission. The English breakfast that came with our package was fine, but it would have been nice if it had been mixed up a little. Got very boring by day 7. Hotel is near the South Kensington tube, which made traveling quite easy. This is a big plus if you're planning to do a lot of touring and the tube as your main mode of transport.

Great Location

from anonymous

Just got back from London. This hotel is about 50 yards from the S.

Kensington subway station and is about 1 block from all of the museums.

Hotel could use a serious makeover, but my room was spacious, the shower was great and the service was excellent.

Very pleasant stay

from anonymous

I stayed here the last week of February. I found the hotel to be clean and well run, if a little frayed at the edges. My room- a single- was bright, clean, comfortable and large for a London single. Plenty of hot & cold water. Room could have been warmer - my wing was colder than the other side of the hotel, but double glazed windows kept it fairly quiet. The location is great, just steps from the tube and major museums. Inexpensive internet cafe just across the street. Breakfasts were very good, the staff were pleasant and helpful. I got the impression that they are working to bring the hotel back from being rather worn out. I stayed as part of a Virgin Vacation package and would happily book again.

Disappointed

from anonymous

Stayed there during Feb 2004 after seeing a low rate on the internet.

It was supposed to be a superior tourist class ... afraid not my friends ! The bedroom fabrics were well worn and in some instances i.e.

bed cover and curtains, were dirty / stained. In fact the whole hotel is past its sell by date. The owners are clearly trying to make a fast buck based on its previous good record. The location is very good but I would not recommend this hotel, there are far better alternatives. We checked out early and moved to Harrington Hall hotel.

Great location but the hotel needs some work

from anonymous

We had stayed in this area before and loved it. This hotel was offered as a medium range hotel with our package deal. However, I would classify it as a lower-level hotel. The room, as well as the rest of the hotel, was dingy and could have used a new coat of paint, to say the least. It also smelled of smoke. The mattress was pretty old and had two discernable indents on either side that made it rather uncomfortable. We were on the first floor (2nd floor by US standards) and right on the street. As I live in a city the street noise did not bother me but it may bother those not used to it. The bathroom had a jacuzzi, however on alternating mornings we either had no hot water or no cold water. The staff's suggestion was to have us shower in another room. They did not offer to give us a new room. The breakfast offered was good. Full English as well as fruit, yogurt, cereal etc... When we checked out the staff held on to our luggage as we did not have to immediately leave for the airport. When we came back to retrieve our luggage I was disappointed to see that it was not in a locked area and anyone could have gotten into it. I got the feeling that there were nicer rooms in the hotel that included mini bars etc... but perhaps these are reserved for people who are not staying there as part of a package deal. All in all, I was disappointed.

TripAdvisor Reviews Grosvenor Kensington Hotel London

Outstanding

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